6 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Graniteville offers sites with horse stalls for equestrian campers in Vermont's Groton State Forest. The campground features two main loops with varying levels of tree coverage - some sites are deep in the woods with ample trees while others are situated in open fields. Equestrian sites include dedicated stalls for horses, allowing riders to camp with their animals. The bathhouses are well-maintained and clean, though facilities occasionally experience maintenance issues. The campground provides easy access to multiple ponds and lakes in the forest, with drinking water available through non-threaded spigots throughout the property.
Trails throughout Groton State Forest connect directly to the campground, providing extensive riding opportunities for horse owners. The rail trail accessible from the campground allows for putting in many miles without feeling the distance. Multiple water features including Osmore Pond, Kettle Pond, and Ricker Pond are within riding distance, offering watering opportunities and scenic destinations. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season from Memorial Day weekend to Columbus Day weekend when the campground operates. Sites vary significantly in size and slope, so equestrians should specify their needs when booking to ensure appropriate accommodation for both horses and camping equipment. Bear activity exists in the area, requiring proper food storage and waste management when camping with horses.
"There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses. The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion."
"There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers."
from $20 - $38 / night
Check Availability"The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use. The bathrooms were well maintained along with the showers."
from $35 / night
"Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont."
"The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas."
"The site was so scenic with a little waterfall and stream nearby. The camp staff was so nice. They kept the the bathrooms and areas so clean."
"Love to lake access, secluded camping, the hiking and remote area. Planning on revisiting next summer, even in august the nights get to a good sleeping temperature a vast majority of the time."
"This would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area."
"Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail."
from $30 / night
Check Availability"It is next to the Highway on a paved fire road. So you can hear traffic. And it is paved (which is good if it’s wet and muddy elsewhere). The other spots looked amazing."
"They have a fire pit, plenty of woods around, and are free."
LegendPlenty of space between sites. Decent bathroom situation--I've seen better and I've seen worse in Vermont. The (AT&T) cell phone reception was pretty good, but could be slow at times (which could be because of the area or because of the busy fall color season.)
ScoutI've stayed at 10 of the state parks of VT. Gifford Woods takes the cake in friendliness of its staff. The park is amazingly clean, well run, located just of RT 4 and very near to Killington, Vermont. It has multiple lean-to sites which are in wooded areas. Cool stone bathrooms and playing fields for kids but the highlight (for me) is access to the Appalachian Trail. The AT runs directly through this park. While on a 4 state section hike I traveled by foot through this park. The ranger gave me an ice cream, pointed me to the showers and then chatted with me for an hour about my hike so far. He also gave me a ride to the Inn at Long Trail to pick up a resupply box since I was a few days behind schedule and low on food. I'll always remember his kindness. Living just across the state line in NH, I have frequented Gifford Woods on 4 other occasions for day hiking with family. Enjoy! I sure did!
LegendThis easy-to-access campground has made it on my list of places to stay.
There are two loops of sites, some deep in the woods with great-looking trees, others in a field, and some in between. There are even sites with stalls if you're into horses.
The bathhouse looks typical and clean.
Not much cell service, but some in places.
Easy access to a lake and a picnic pavilion.
Noticed more than a few sites that I could hang at.
GuideThis campground is the number one rated in Vermont for a reason. The staff were wonderful, the sites are pristine and picturesque, the faculties are decorated with wildflowers. We met a number of AT through hikers, who were very willing to share their adventure stories.
RangerThis would be one of few places I find acceptable to camp, that are near other people. I usually don't like camping with 20+ other people in one looped area. The sites here are pretty well spread out. Not ALL of them, but look around. We found what I would think is the best. The one we ended up at had stairs leading from the car down to our site. It was further away from the other sites and had the pretty much private stream running by it. The area we had for use was pretty huge, we had a giant tent 10-12 plus a pop up tent to put over the picnic table, and there was still a ton of room for the car, fire pit and general run around area for our dog. I never felt like we had to lock up everything we owned either. A short walk to the toilets from all sites. Bring a headlamp of course. TP is in the outhouses bring a spare hand sanitizer bottle to use after.
FYI there is a pretty awesome hike close by you can do. I mean you have to drive there but it wasn't far. It goes up to Mt Moosilauke. We ended up taking Beaver Brook Trail to the Cascades, checked out the shelter and headed to Moosilauke Summit. A crazy hike pretty much going up the side of a waterfall. The peak was 4,802ft. Worth it! I'd say an 8 mile trek from the car, up, and back. I included just a couple pictures to entice you since its not about the campsite! There are a TON of trails near this campsite, this would just be my favorite of the 6 or 7 we did.
ScoutIf I could leave a no star rating, I would. To anyone who is looking to park there camper for the season, I recommend going elsewhere. The previous owner was a more reasonable guy and well respected. Save yourself the time and energy and do not sign a contract here, unless you want to later be told you have to leave for a reason that will not be discussed. The current owner is a dictator who likes to show favoritism. Please save yourself the trouble and try a different campground, there are plenty in the state of Vermont.
TravelerMost amazing spot I’ve ever camped and not too many people. Used the tent sides a quick hill walk down from the parking lot. River great for splashing around and nearby path to Lincoln Woods trail.
LegendI haven't stayed here, but I checked it out on Columbus Day weekend because it's one of the few campgrounds open year-round (plowed, unlike Lafayette Place, which is walk-in) in the White Mountains. Most of the reviews talk about the walk-in tent sites, but there's more to this campground that is located along the Kancamagus Highway just before the Lincoln Woods Visitors' Center.
If you're a tent camper and don't mind carrying your gear downhill to a site, drive straight ahead to a parking lot. A few of the sites (3 & 4) are accessible from the far end of the parking lot, but for most of them you'll head down the steps in the middle with sites in two levels branching out on each side. Sites are large, but close together and although you're in the woods, there's not much to separate you from your neighbors. Even sites 10-20 are directly on the water.
Sites 22-55 are suitable for RVs and tents. Those on the back side of the loop are close enough that you can hear the Pemi River running below. A few of the sites are pull-through. There are no hook-ups, but water available via spigots and flush toilets are available - except in winter. I'd recommend sites on the back side of the loop to provide some more distance from traffic noise. I chatted briefly with a host who remarked that sites on the western end of the loop have some cell phone coverage, unlike the rest of the campground.
If you stay here, you're only a few miles from Lincoln where you can pick up any necessary supplies. This end of the Kanc your nearest hiking options are Lincoln Woods and Greeley Pond for family friendly trails, or Lincoln Woods to head into the Pemi wilderness, including peaks in the Pemi loop and Owl's Head. The Hancocks are via a trail at the hairpin on the Kanc. Franconia Notch and its many hiking trails and the multi-use trail are a short drive away.
Bring cash or a check to pay your camping fee in the iron ranger. Fees cover the first vehicle; a second vehicle is an additional $5.
LegendHancock Campground is one of 6 national forest campgrounds along the Kancamagus Highway. Campsites can't be reserved and the campground does fill up on the weekends. We were lucky to score a walk-in tent site on a Saturday in August, and while it did feel a bit like a tent city, we loved that there were no cars at the campsites. It made the tenting area feel more like a community. This is a busy campground, but lovely all the same.
We got site #19, which was one of the last sites available. It had a picnic table, fire pit, and bear box. There were awesome waterfront sites nearby, but they were taken, of course. Cost was reasonable - $22 per night. Pit toilets were near the parking area, but there was a real bathroom with a sink and a flush toilet in the car camping area. There is also a fabulous swimming hole. Clear, cold and deep just off the car camping area.
Hancock Campground is a five-minute drive from Lincoln, NH, and very close to awesome hiking trails in the White Mountain National Forest and Franconia Notch State Park.
New Discovery State Park Campground in Groton State Forest offers specialized accommodations for horse riders at an elevation of 1,100 feet. The forest spans 26,000 acres across seven state parks, creating an expansive network for equestrian camping near Graniteville, Vermont. Weather conditions vary significantly throughout the camping season, with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 45-60°F.
Trail riding opportunities: The rail trail connected to New Discovery State Park Campground provides extensive routes for equestrians. "Awesome state park. Right along a long rail trail where you can put in many miles and not even know it. Swimming and boating is a short ride in a couple different directions, Osmore pond, Kettle pond, or Ricker pond," notes Rick S.
Water activities for riders: Multiple water access points allow horses to drink and cool off during rides. The campground connects to three major ponds within riding distance. "The park staff was attentive and restrooms were being cleaned with frequency," reports Sarah C. about facilities maintenance at New Discovery.
Winter exploration: For those interested in off-season visits, Hancock Campground in nearby New Hampshire offers year-round access. "Stayed here for two nights in late December. Site #40 along the river was close to the bathroom yet had plenty of privacy from other sites," writes Heather B.
Private campsites: The wooded sections of New Discovery provide excellent separation between camping areas. "We stayed at the Eagle leanto and is perfect for hanging multiple hammocks. Close enough to the bathrooms too," describes Rick S.
Equestrian-specific amenities: Groton Forest Road Campground offers additional camping options near the same trail system. "My girlfriend and I visited last year for a nice getaway and absolutely loved the park. The spots were spacious with enough privacy between sites," says Reid B.
Water proximity: Camping near water features is highly valued by visitors. "There are hiking trails right from the campground, which we always appreciate. You can also go down to the water and rent a kayak or canoe from the rangers," explains Laura M.
Bear precautions: All equestrian campers must follow strict food storage protocols. "There are bears around the area though so please be bear smart when camping here," advises Laura M. from Branbury State Park Campground, highlighting a regional concern applicable to all Groton State Forest campgrounds.
Water access limitations: Filling water containers can be challenging. "The spigots for the water are not threaded. We tried our water bandit, with messy wet results," explains Laura M. Pack appropriate adapters if you need to fill large containers.
Varying site conditions: Scout your site carefully before setting up. "Some sites are so sloped I don't even know how a car would camp there. Some sites are out in the open grass where you just find a spot within the site that works for you," notes Laura M.
Playground access: Multiple recreation areas are available for children throughout Groton State Forest. "Spacious sites, hiking trails, biking trails, nice beach and grounds. Fishing, kayak, canoe, paddle boat and paddle board rentals. There's a nature center with all kinds of information and activities. A large playground," shares J L. from Branbury State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The forest provides excellent wildlife watching chances. "There were squirrels that would spend lots of time throughout the day sending loose the green pine cones and then come down and chew them up. Pretty entertaining except for when they drop them on your tarps," reports Rick S.
Swimming options: Multiple ponds offer swimming opportunities. "The lake was gorgeous to swim in and had different rafts and stuff in the water for public use," shares Reid B. when describing water activities at nearby Groton Forest Road Campground.
Site selection for horse trailers: When bringing horses, reserve sites that accommodate both your RV and trailer. "Site size various pretty vastly as you travel through the campground. There are two main loops, one is more secluded and spaced out than the other," explains Sarah C. about New Discovery State Park Campground.
Facility maintenance expectations: Be prepared for occasional facility issues. "My complaint is in regards to the maintenance of the facilities. The Women's bathroom ran out of toilet paper and was never replaced. More upsetting was that the soap container was empty all weekend," reports Robin B.
Alternative dump station locations: If facilities are unavailable, "Luckily, we found we could unscrew the head of the hose at the dump station and had no problem filling our tank with potable water," shares Laura M. about creative solutions to water filling challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Graniteville, VT?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Graniteville, VT is New Discovery State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Graniteville, VT?
TheDyrt.com has all 6 equestrian camping locations near Graniteville, VT, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
